Rear Forks Patents (Class 280/284)
  • Patent number: 11834124
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a front triangle and a rear suspension system that couples the front triangle to a rear wheel and is dampened by at least one shock absorber. The rear suspension system includes a six-bar linkage having two ternary links separated from each other by one or more binary links, such that the two ternary links do not share a common joint. One of the ternary links may comprise a chain stay. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise the front triangle. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise a rocker arm coupling a seat stay link to the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Level One Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Luther Mac Beale
  • Patent number: 11667347
    Abstract: A saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; a swing arm supported in a swingable manner with respect to a pivot frame of the vehicle body frame; and a rear suspension in which a link arm supported by the swing arm and the pivot frame are coupled, and damping is controlled by a hydraulic oil. In addition, the saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a sub-tank provided in the rear suspension and storing the hydraulic oil; and a detection sensor that detects behavior of a vehicle body while traveling. Moreover, in a top view of the saddle-riding type vehicle viewed from above, the sub-tank and the detection sensor are disposed so as to overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yohei Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 11518469
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a front triangle and a rear suspension system that couples the front triangle to a rear wheel and is dampened by at least one shock absorber. The rear suspension system includes a six-bar linkage having two ternary links separated from each other by one or more binary links, such that the two ternary links do not share a common joint. One of the ternary links may comprise a chain stay. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise the front triangle. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise a rocker arm coupling a seat stay link to the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Level One Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Luther Mac Beale
  • Patent number: 11492064
    Abstract: The present invention is a swingarm suspension bicycle frame that is designed to allow nesting of the swingarm within the main frame of the bicycle frame, thereby allowing the bicycle frame to be packed and shipped in a smaller package than prior art bicycles of similar frame and wheel size, and a method for nesting such a suspension bicycle frame. In one or more embodiments, the pivot bearing to which the pivot point of the swingarm is attached is positioned along the seat support member of the main frame at a distance from the bottom of the bracket mount of the seat support member that is at least as great as the distance from the pivot point of the swingarm to the shock absorber mounting point of the swingarm. Such a location allows the swingarm to be nested within the main frame of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Frank Michael Weyer
  • Patent number: 11440613
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension in which a link extends between a front frame and a rear frame, and a shock absorber between a front frame and a rear frame is provided with a pivot connection and a fixed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy Saul Lane
  • Patent number: 11299234
    Abstract: A motorcycle suspension system comprising an axle block on each side of the motorcycle, each axle block for receiving one side of a rear wheel axle, and each axle block rotatably connected to a motorcycle frame member with a bearing. Each axle block may be rotatably connected to the rear wheel axle with a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Terence M. Musto
  • Patent number: 11260934
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes an electric motor having an output shaft defining a motor axis, a rear wheel drivably coupled to the electric motor to propel the motorcycle, a swingarm rotatably supporting the rear wheel, and a frame. The frame includes a main frame member supporting the electric motor and the swingarm. A case of the electric motor is a stressed member of the frame between the main frame member and the swingarm. The swingarm is coupled to the case of the electric motor to define a swingarm pivot axis that is co-axial with the motor axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Nicholas Reitinger, Eric Konkel, Mark Gales, Jared Peter Thede
  • Patent number: 11173983
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two-wheel vehicle suspension linkage. The suspension linkage includes a suspended body-1, a seatstay body-2, a link body-3, a chainstay body-4, a link body-5, and a link body-6 operatively coupled with one another. The link body-3 includes jointed connections with the suspended body-1 defining an IVC[1][3], the chainstay body-4 defining an IVC[3][4], and the link body-6 defining an IVC[3][6]. The chainstay body-4 includes an additional jointed connection with the seatstay body-2 defining an IVC[2][4]. The link body-5 includes additional jointed connections with suspended body-1 defining an IVC[1][5], seatstay body-2 defining an IVC[2][5], and the link body-6 defining an IVC[5][6]. A lower base line is defined by IVC[1][3] and IVC[3][4]. An upper base line is defined by IVC[1][5] and IVC[2][5]. The IVC[5][6] is located outside the upper and lower base lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 11029138
    Abstract: A drop-out mounting structure for wheel alignment is disclosed. The disclosed drop-out mounting structure for the wheel alignment according to an aspect of the present disclosure for mounting a drop-out member as a wheel mounting unit to a bicycle frame through a bolt in a state that the drop-out member may be set according to a predetermined reference position includes a wheel alignment unit provided to be in spherical contact with a bolt fastening portion of the drop-out member and the frame as a male and female type and performing wheel alignment according to deformation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jungnam Choi
  • Patent number: 11021210
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided for providing a comfortable traveling environment to the rider. The bicycle control device basically includes an electronic controller controlling an operational state of an electric auxiliary drive, which assists in travel of a bicycle, based on an operational state of a suspension. The bicycle control device can be included in an electric auxiliary drive, a suspension and/or an adjustable seatpost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Komatsu, Yuta Kurokawa, Shingo Sakurai
  • Patent number: 10822048
    Abstract: Generally, examples described herein may take the form of a bicycle including a front frame, a rear frame operably associated with the front frame and configured for coupling to a rear wheel, and a suspension system operably associated with the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension system includes a first connection structure operably coupling the front frame to the rear frame and a first sliding body pivotally coupled to the rear frame and configured to travel in a first direction along a substantially linear travel path and in a second direction opposite the first direction along the substantially linear travel path as the suspension system is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoogendorn, Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 10822049
    Abstract: A bicycle may include a front triangle and a rear suspension system that couples the front triangle to a rear wheel and is dampened by at least one shock absorber. The rear suspension system includes a six-bar linkage having two ternary links separated from each other by one or more binary links, such that the two ternary links do not share a common joint. One of the ternary links may comprise a chain stay. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise the front triangle. In some examples, the other ternary link may comprise a rocker arm coupling a seat stay link to the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Level One Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Luther Mac Beale
  • Patent number: 10766563
    Abstract: Generally, examples described herein may take the form of a bicycle including a front frame, a rear frame operably associated with the front frame and configured for coupling to a rear wheel, and a suspension system operably associated with the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension system includes a first sliding body pivotally coupled to the rear frame and configured to travel in a first direction along a substantially linear travel path. The first sliding body also includes a dampening mechanism or a spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: YETI CYCLYING, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoogendoorn, Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 10723410
    Abstract: A vehicle, comprising: a forward frame portion; a rear frame portion; and a motion control system comprising a first motion control device that movably interconnects the forward frame portion and the rear frame portion and a second motion control device that movably interconnects the forward frame portion and the rear frame portion, wherein the first motion control device connects to the rear frame portion at a first location, and the second motion control device connects to the rear frame portion at a second location that is a fixed distance from the first location, and the motion control system, by virtue of a geometric arrangement of the motion control system relative to the forward frame portion and the rear frame portion, adopts, in response to a forward acceleration of the rear frame portion resulting from a driving force imparted by a wheel supported by the rear frame portion, an operating state in which forces imparted onto the motion control system by a tensioning of a drivetrain element that transfe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Darrell W Voss
  • Patent number: 10689062
    Abstract: A bicycle rear wheel suspension systems. In one aspect, a bicycle rear wheel suspension system is provided comprising a bicycle rear wheel suspension system comprising a frame comprising a bottom bracket and a first chain stay, the system further comprising a rear wheel comprising an axle, and a first linkage member pivotally connected with respect to the first chain stay at a first main pivot point, the first linkage member extending rearwardly to bridge the main pivot point and the axle, wherein the main pivot point is in a position higher than the bottom bracket, and closer to the axle than it is to the bottom bracket, and wherein at least the first linkage member further comprises a pivotable connection point for a shock absorbing mechanism bridging this connection point and a portion of a remainder of the frame. Further, a bicycle comprising the rear wheel suspension system is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: VASTTECH IP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Timothy James Southall
  • Patent number: 10661856
    Abstract: A frame for bicycle includes a front frame, a rear frame, a shock absorber and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is pivoted to the front frame at a first axis, pivoted to the rear frame at a second axis, and pivoted to the shock absorber at a third axis. The rear frame has a pair of chain stays and a connection part, the connection part has a pair of side portions and a bridge portion, the pair of side portions are connected to the pair of chain stays respectively, the bridge portion connects the pair of side portions, and the rear frame is pivoted to the front frame at a fourth axis through the pair of side portions or through the pair of chain stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Sung Yi
  • Patent number: 10618595
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a forward frame portion with a seat support portion. The vehicle also includes a motion control system and a rear frame portion movably interconnected to the forward frame portion by the motion control system. The motion control system, in response to a forward acceleration of the rear frame portion resulting from a driving force imparted by a wheel supported by the rear frame portion, imparts a force onto the forward frame portion that immediately accelerates the seat support portion in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Darrell W Voss
  • Patent number: 10532789
    Abstract: In one example, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a frame of a motorcycle or a bicycle may include an axle having first and second opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, a left axle support collar structure configured to support the first opposing end portion of the axle, and a right axle support collar structure configured to support the second opposing end portion of the axle. A first bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure, and a second bearing is positioned in the left axle support collar structure. The axle rotates relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Steven W. Hoogendoom
  • Patent number: 10071786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle with rear-wheel suspension, comprising a frame (602) with at least one frame tube (603, 604, 605), a swingarm assembly (620) mounted on the frame (602) for the purpose of suspending a rear wheel (613), a linear spring/damper element, and a transmission mechanism (630) that is functionally connected to both the spring/damper element and to the swingarm assembly (620). The spring/damper element is received in a receiving chamber inside the frame tube (603). The transmission mechanism (630) is designed and mounted on the frame (602) such that it transmits a force between the spring/damper element and the swingarm assembly (620) by means of a rotational axis that extends through an axial opening in the frame tube (603). Arranging the spring/damper element inside the frame (602) avoids soiling. The rotational axis of the transmission mechanism (630) can also be designed to have relatively small dimensions in order to achieve a high degree of frame stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: FLOW AG
    Inventor: Vincenz Droux
  • Patent number: 9998271
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a Modulation and Coding Selection (MCS) level by a base station in a wireless mobile communication system is provided. The method includes receiving channel condition information from a terminal; estimating a channel condition of the terminal based on the channel condition information; determining a location of the terminal based on the estimated channel condition of the terminal; measuring intensities of signals that are periodically received from the terminal; determining a moving direction and a moving velocity of the terminal based on the measured intensities; and selecting an MCS level that is to be allocated to the terminal based on the location, the moving direction, and the moving velocity of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yong-Chae Ko, Byeong-Si Lee
  • Patent number: 9845132
    Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system pivotably attached to a bicycle. The suspension system has an upper link attached to a main frame at a first pivot point, and a rear stay member attached to the upper link at a second pivot point. A lower link is attached to the main frame at a third pivot point, and is pivotably attached to the rear stay member at a fourth pivot point. A shock absorber is pivotably connected to the upper link and to the main frame. An instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) is defined where an upper axis extending through the first and second pivots intersects a lower axis extending through the third and fourth pivots. The ICR displaces along a trajectory from behind the bottom bracket, through an inflection point at which the upper axis and the lower axis are parallel, to in front of the bottom bracket, as the shock absorber compresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: INDUSTRIES RAD INC.
    Inventor: D'Arcy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9821879
    Abstract: Generally, examples described herein may take the form of a bicycle including a front frame, a rear frame operably associated with the front frame and configured for coupling to a rear wheel, and a suspension system operably associated with the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension system includes a first connection structure operably coupling the front frame to the rear frame and a first sliding body pivotally coupled to the rear frame and configured to travel in a first direction along a substantially linear travel path and in a second direction opposite the first direction along the substantially linear travel path as the suspension system is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoogendoorn, Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 9650103
    Abstract: A bicycle having a drive-shaft connecting a crank to an internal hub gearbox on a rear wheel. The bicycle having a suspension system and a cantilevered rear stay that connects the rear wheel to the frame and maintains the hub in a relative radial distance from the crank to maintain contact of the drive-shaft with the crank and gearbox. The suspension system having a linearly moveable damping device disposed within the frame. A swing arm pivotally extends from the rear stay to the damping device. The pivotal connection of the rear stay to the frame, the linear connection of the damping device to the frame, and the pivotal connection of the swing-arm to both the rear stay and damping device provide a four-bar sliding mechanism to provide suspension for the rear wheel on the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Paul Perkins
  • Patent number: 9643451
    Abstract: A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-clamp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Laird
  • Patent number: 9527545
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having a plurality of frame members that includes a first frame member, and a suspension system. The suspension system includes a first portion and a second portion fluidly coupled via hydraulic fluid to the first portion. The first portion is disposed external of the first frame member, and the second portion is disposed internal to the first frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: CYCLING SPORTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Daniel Juarez, Wolfgang Ebersbach, Sante Pelot
  • Patent number: 9469369
    Abstract: A vehicle frame, in particular a mountain bike frame or a trekking bicycle frame, comprises main frame element. A rear frame is pivotably connected with the main frame element. A damping element is provided between the rear frame and the main frame element. A first connection point of the damper element is connected with the rear frame and a second connection point of the damping element is connected with the main frame element. For the purpose of changing the frame characteristics, a displacing element is provided for the displacement of the first connection point. The locking of the displacing element is done with the help of an actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CANYON BICYCLES GMBH
    Inventor: Vincenz Thoma
  • Patent number: 9421139
    Abstract: A chair assembly includes a pair of bases that are spaced apart. A primary arm is coupled between the pair of bases. A seat is coupled to the primary arm. The seat may support a user in a position that allows the user to stand with a minimal amount of effort. A rest arm is coupled to the primary arm. A backrest is coupled to the rest arm. The backrest may support the user in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Dexter Wilson
  • Patent number: 9376162
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: James Colegrove, Dylan Howes, Jose Gonzalez, Michael Hammond
  • Patent number: 9334007
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame, a front steering assembly rotatably coupled to the frame, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the front steering assembly, and a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the frame. The frame includes an inflatable segment and a valve in communication with the inflatable segment for selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Huennekens, Lauri Mikael Ohra-aho, Samuel Ellis, Greg Foletta
  • Patent number: 9278598
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Charles Bass, Ryan Bavetta
  • Patent number: 9242693
    Abstract: The vehicle includes a frame member to be suspended relative to the ground. The suspension of the invention includes an arm (such as a swingarm), a slide link, and a control link. The arm having a first end and a second end; it extends between the frame generally at the first end and the ground-engaging member generally at the second end. The slide link is coupled between the frame and the arm. The slide link is rotationally fixed to the arm to rotationally move therewith. It is pivotally secured to the frame. The control link is also coupled to the frame and to the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Darrell W. Voss
  • Patent number: 9216791
    Abstract: A bicycle rear suspension system including a seat stay member pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame, a chain stay member to which the rear tire is mounted and to which the seat stay member is pivotally attached at a location above the wheel mount, a link pivotally connected to the frame and to a frame-ward end of the chain stay member, and a shock absorber device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Hudec
  • Patent number: 9168977
    Abstract: A driven wheel suspension system for a vehicle (100) having a chassis (12) suspended from a driven wheel (10) is disclosed. The suspension system includes a suspension mechanism including a driven wheel carrier member (11) rotatably connected to the driven wheel (10). The suspension mechanism is configured to isolate the movement of the driven wheel 10 from the movement of the chassis (12). The driven wheel (10) is movable a distance relative to the chassis (12) which defines a suspension travel. The driven wheel suspension system further includes a drive train including a looped power transmission element configured to transmit power between the driven wheel (10) and a power source mounted on the chassis (12). An idler member (31) is rotatably mounted on an idler carrier member (20) that is movable relative to both the chassis (12) and driven wheel earner member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Hugh McLeay
  • Patent number: 9156521
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes a substantially rigid front frame portion and a substantially rigid rear frame portion. A link is connected to the rear frame portion by a first pivot and to the front frame portion by a second pivot. A rear frame segment is rigidly connected at a first end to the rear frame portion and pivotably connected at a second end to the front frame portion by a third pivot. The rear frame segment is flexible parallel to an axis of the third pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne Lumpkin
  • Patent number: 9145185
    Abstract: A bicycle frame includes front and rear parts, which are pivotally connected to each other by upper and bottom links, and a shock absorber. The bicycle frame is designed so that compression in the shock absorber isolates the bicycle rider from track noise. Additionally, energy loss caused by the shock absorber compression during positive acceleration is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Warphen Serioza Claro
  • Patent number: 9102378
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first member, and a first pivot link assembly including a first link configured to rotate around a first pivot point. The first pivot point may have a first axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the first frame, and the first frame may be coupled with the first member through the first pivot link assembly. Some examples also include a second pivot link assembly including a second link configured to rotate around a second pivot point having an axis of rotation that is non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: YETI CYCLING, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zawistowski
  • Patent number: 9061729
    Abstract: A suspension system for supporting a frame of a vehicle on at least one wheel that is coupled via a chain to a chain ring on the frame. The suspension system includes a structural member supporting an axle of the wheel, a first linkage arm connecting the structural member to the frame, a second linkage arm connecting the structural member to the frame, and a shock absorber coupled between the frame and one of the structural member, the first linkage arm and the second linkage arm. Additionally, the center of curvature (CC) of the axle of the wheel is located within a predetermined radius of a tangent contact point between a tension segment of the chain and the chain ring throughout a range motion of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Canfield, Lance Canfield
  • Patent number: 9056647
    Abstract: A one-piece connector for a shock-absorbing frame of a bicycle is manufactured by casting, forging or high pressure hydraulic forming means, is made of aluminum and formed as a single piece without welding, and has a bottom bracket shell, a connecting tube, a pivot and a linking joint. The connecting tube is formed on and protrudes from a top surface of the bottom bracket shell. The pivot is formed with the connecting tube near the bottom bracket shell. The linking joint is formed on an upper end of the connecting tube. The bottom bracket shell, the connecting tube, the pivot and the linking joint are formed with each other to form the one-piece connector without welding to simplify the production process, to improve the precision, quality and appearance of the one-piece connector, and to reinforce the structural strength of the one-piece connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel Hu
  • Publication number: 20150130161
    Abstract: There is provided a swing arm for a motorcycle. A base section is connected to a chassis framework via a pivot member. A pair of rear-arm sections extend rearwards from the base section. A pair of bracket sections are respectively provided at rear end portions of the rear-arm sections to rotatably support a rear wheel. Each of the bracket sections is formed into a shape including a hole through which an axle of the rear wheel passes, an engaging plane formed at a region surrounding the hole, and a peripheral formation plane positioned to connect with the outer periphery of the rear-arm sections. An inner surface of the peripheral formation plane in the width direction is formed so as to be inclined outwards in the width direction from a side of formation region of the hole towards a front side as viewed from the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichiro KAWATA, Katsuhiro NAITO
  • Publication number: 20150115569
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are rear suspension systems for bicycles that coupling the rear wheel of the bicycle to the bicycle frame through a swing arm assembly. The structures disclosed herein allow for independent movement of a swing arm assembly in both a vertical and horizontal directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Bicycle Fabrications LLC
    Inventors: W. Hank MATHESON, Jonathan R. HEIM
  • Patent number: 8998235
    Abstract: A rear suspension bicycle in which a lower linkage member between the front triangle and the rear wheel swingarm of the bicycle extends a significant distance backward toward the rear wheel. Rear suspension configurations according to the present teachings may exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: (i) the center of curvature of the rear wheel axis of rotation and the instant center of the bicycle may be substantially equidistant from the pedaling axis when the shock absorber is fully compressed, (ii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, a rate of change of chainstay length may decrease substantially linearly, and (iii) as the shock absorber is compressed from a fully uncompressed state to a fully compressed state, the acceleration anti-squat value may decrease from a value substantially equal to 100% to a value of substantially equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Level One Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Luther M. Beale
  • Patent number: 8998231
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension system of the invention generally includes at least two bicycle suspensions and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a pair of fluid pumps, and a fluid responder and a fluid path for each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid pumps are mountable to a bicycle handlebar and form part of the hydraulic control assembly. A fluid responder is mountable each of the bicycle suspensions. The fluid paths link the fluid pump to a respective fluid responder. Each fluid responder is operatively connected to one of the bicycle suspensions to operate the bicycle suspension system between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between each fluid pump and each of the fluid responders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Neeley
  • Patent number: 8998236
    Abstract: A bicycle frame with an improved suspension system. The bicycle frame includes an adjustable dropout assembly that provides adequate shock absorption without affecting or being affected by the chain length or the pedaling action of the bicycle. The bicycle frame includes a uni-axis system that increases the efficiency and performance of the bicycle while eliminating latter movement found in traditional frames. The bicycle frame includes a micro-adjustable suspension system that allows the rider to easily adjust the suspension of the frame to precise measurements quickly and without additional tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Morpheus Cycles
    Inventors: James Trimble, Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8985609
    Abstract: A scooter rear shock damping structure comprising a frame and an elastic unit is disclosed. The frame is disposed under a back end of a stepping plate. A forwardly extending front pivotal connect portion of the frame is pivotally connected to the stepping plate. Back positioning pieces backwardly extending from left and right sides of the frame respectively are coaxially fixed by left and right sides of a rear wheel. The elastic unit is positioned between the back end of the stepping plate and the frame. Thereby, when a user steps on the stepping plate to ride on the scooter and the rear wheel is in contact with the ground, and when the scooter travels on ragged surfaces; the support, compression and resilience of the elastic unit enable the rear wheel to move upward and downward relative to the stepping plate for buffering shock damping effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Laing Ban International Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20150076791
    Abstract: A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A scat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: James Colegrove, Dylan Howes, Jose Gonzalez, Michael Hammond
  • Publication number: 20150069735
    Abstract: Generally, examples described herein may take the form of a bicycle including a front frame, a rear frame operably associated with the front frame and configured for coupling to a rear wheel, and a suspension system operably associated with the front frame and the rear frame. The suspension system includes a first connection structure operably coupling the front frame to the rear frame and a first sliding body pivotally coupled to the rear frame and configured to travel in a first direction along a substantially linear travel path and in a second direction opposite the first direction along the substantially linear travel path as the suspension system is compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Steven W. Hoogendoorn, Peter Zawistowski
  • Publication number: 20150028561
    Abstract: A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame that can have a main frame, a sub-frame and a shock absorber. The sub-frame can move in relation to the main frame and the shock can be used to regulate that relationship. A extension body can be used to establish a rear pivot point of the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the extension body can also be used to adjust the length of the combined shock absorber and extension body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Jason L. Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 8931794
    Abstract: A bicycle frame set includes a main frame, a rear wheel suspension pivotally attached to the main frame, and a double eccentric cam assembly disposed within one or more pivot joints between the main frame and the rear wheel suspension. The double eccentric cam assembly includes inner and outer eccentric cams removably fastened together and retained in place within the pivot joint by a removable fastener passing through an aperture in the inner eccentric cam and defining a pivot axis. The aperture is eccentric relative to a perimeter of the inner eccentric cam. The inner cam is received within a correspondingly shaped opening in the outer cam which opening is itself eccentric relative to a perimeter of the outer eccentric cam. A rotational position of each of the cams is thus adjustable, so as to change a relative location of the pivot axis of the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: D'Arcy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8931793
    Abstract: The invention relates to the guiding of lines, or cables, on a two-wheeled vehicle frame. The guiding is carried out with a guide device on a frame element on which an additional frame element is movably supported in such a way that the line essentially intersects the rotational axis of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Publication number: 20150001829
    Abstract: Unique suspension apparatuses, systems and methods useful for mountain bicycles among other applications are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the suspension is self adjusting to meet different performance objectives. The suspension may utilize pedaling force to substantially stiffen or lock out movement of the suspension, for example, during climbing. The suspension may change its performance under reduced pedaling force to provide performance characteristics desired when a rider is descending. Certain exemplary embodiments include a rocker arm connected to a first frame portion at a first rocker arm pivot, connected to a seatstay at a second rocker arm pivot, and connected to a second link at a third rocker arm pivot. The first link is connected to the first frame portion at a first link pivot, connected to the chainstay at a second link pivot, and connected to the shock and the second link at a third link pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Brian David BERTHOLD